SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, September 5, 1863  A very rare publication from the Confederacy which seldom comes to the collector market. Although much of the content was literary in nature, there are news reports and a few illustrations.
The front page features a portrait of: "Hon. James Alexander Seddon, Secretary of War of the Confederate States", with the balance of the front page taken up with a biography of him. Inside includes a lengthy editorial on the Civil War, including: "...Rumors, as usual, when the papers are barren of news, are circulated quite freely--some startling & others quite modest...The Yankee General demands the surrender of Battery Wagner & Fort Sumter, and says, in case of refusal, he will shell the city of Charleston...The reply of Gen. Beauregard is manful...He scornfully refuses to surrender Wagner and Sumter & severely condemns the Yankee chief for firing upon the city of Charleston...In speaking of the commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces, the 'Review' says: 'General Lee is probably more popular at New York than General Hooker or Mr. Lincoln.' ..." and more.
Another page has: "A Blockade Correspondence", and the back page features a political cartoon: "Recognition!" (see)
Begun on September 13, 1862 the "Southern Illustrated News" sought to fill the void left when the Southern States lost access to Harper’s Weekly and other illustrated newspapers from the North. In its “Salutatory,” in the first issue the editors state:  "...We propose to issue an Illustrated Family Newspaper…devoted to literature, to public instruction and amusement, to general news, and to the cause of our country in this trying hour when she is engaged in a terrible, but resolute and hopeful struggle for her liberty and independence..." Although it could be argued it never lived up to all of these goals as reports from the war were very limited, it was an important publication nonetheless. At its peak boasting as many subscribers as the largest daily paper in Richmond. As with all Southern publications it suffered from lack of supplies, reporters, artists and engravers as many had been drafted either into the military or into the service of the Confederate administration to engrave paper money and stamps. The engravings were crude when compared to Yankee publications.
Eight pages, scattered foxing, minor separation near the central fold causes no loss, generally nice condition.